EA will be slowly trickling out the full car roster for the game over the next few weeks, and I definitely like what I see so far. Yeah, it's all cartoony, but some of us like cartoony. Some of us still maintain that Beetle Adventure Racing for the Nintendo 64 is one of the greatest racing games of all time. Some of us have issues.

Luckily, LEGO Indiana Jones 2 does it right. Not only is it adding a gameplay element that you'd kind of expect based on what went down in the movies, it's actually really fun. And entirely made of LEGOs.

What Is It?
LEGO Indiana Jones 2 is a complete rehash of the first LEGO Indiana Jones game – as in, no re-used levels whatsoever. It also adds the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie, the new Builder Mode where you can go nuts putting together endless LEGOs and also driving segments.

What We Saw
I was allowed some hands-on time with just the driving portion of the game on an Xbox 360 build. I think we were playing in a car chase scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark because Marcus Brody and Indy were there. However, like all LEGO games, you can replay levels with any characters you've unlocked. So it could have been from The Last Crusade, I suppose…

How Far Along Is It?
The game is out November 17.

What Needs Improvement?
Nothing: No, I'm serious. I didn't find any kind of actual fault with the way the driving levels are designed or executed in LEGO Indy 2.

What Should Stay The Same?
Easy Controls: The left analog stick makes the car go, B is the break and can be used to back the car up if you get stuck and A will pop the car up if it falls over or needs to make a jump. Not a lot to keep track of and everything works right when it's supposed to.

Excellent Physics: Like most LEGO levels, pretty much all of the setting is destructible in the driving segments. You can ram your car into carts, buildings and other cars to cause huge explosions of LEGO pieces and blue pick-up pieces. You can also drive your car right over a cliff and bail out just before it, too, explodes in a shower of LEGOs. The car will just respawn right at the edge of the cliff so you can keep on wrecking stuff by driving into or over it.

Everything: I can't believe just how fun the driving section felt. Maybe I've just been shell-shocked by too many poorly-made driving segments, or maybe LucasArts drugged my water cup. But I do strongly consider the possibility that this part of the game is just so well made that it deserves to be enjoyed by everybody. Even cynical critics like myself.

Final Thoughts
LEGO Indy 2's driving section may be incredibly fun, but it's not the majority of what you'll be doing in the game. This is as it should be – because it's an adventure game with a driving segment in it, not the other way around. If the rest of the game (which I didn't get to play) is as fun as the driving section, then we're all set. If not, it's going to result in the tragic reversal of my adventure-game-plus-driving-segment anxiety.

If I were a big face of racing games on the iPhone and had really large pockets, this product might be right up my alley. Your iPod Touch or iPhone fits snugly in the middle of this plastic wheel, creating an apparatus that while a great deal less portable, delivers a driving experience a bit closer to actual driving than simply holding a plastic and metal rectangle in your hands does. It comes complete with multiple adapters, so your device will fit no matter what generation it might be.

The steering wheel comes in two flavors, both with and without the suction cup base. I'm not finding pricing details on the items in the official announcement, but can you really put a price on this sort of functionality? Head over to CTA Digital's website for more product information and a listing of stores carrying their products.

SF Gate reports that a driver who played used the "brain-training software" game called Jewel Diver narrowly avoided a car accident when another driver ran a red light at intersection. The driver, W. Larocca, says:

"I was thinking it was just like the (software) game," he said, remembering his near-miss. "I was looking straight ahead - I didn't expect this car on the left. I can't prove it, but I'm 100 percent convinced that if I hadn't taken the course, I would have been hit."

Jewel Diver is one of five "exercises" in a program called InSight, developed by Posit. The game asks players to focus on red jewels that are then hidden behind swimming fish. The goal is to keep your eye on the fish hiding the gems while a bunch of other identical fish swim around a coral reef. When the fish stop, the player has to click on the fish that contain the jewels.

Posit says the game helps users improve visual processing, like divided attention and peripheral vision. According to SF Gate's article, Allstate is using the program with its over-50 drivers as an experiment. If the program shows results, Assistant Vice President in Research and Marketing Tom Warden says, they might use high scores in the software as a way to lower insurance premiums.

The insurance company is still sifting through data from the experiment, which began in October, and is looking at ways to use the software. If it's shown to work with young people, for example, Allstate could use Posit to appeal to different age groups, Warden said.

I played the demo on Posit's site. It's actually way harder than I thought it'd be and it's pretty fun. Could use some better sound effects, though...

Software designed to make older drivers sharper [SF Gate]

"It's my first time driving" he said, "but I learned from watching dad and playing at the video arcade."

Police in Gifu prefecture received a call on Monday morning from an anxious pedestrian who had seen a car apparently with no driver - the little sod was sitting on th every edge of the seat, strainingto reach the pedals and peer over the steering wheel.

The real question of course is What game did he practice on? Knowing if there are junior GTA players on the loose could be a very different prospect to under-age Mario Kart re-enactors.

Boy, 9, sets off on drive in family car after practicing on video games [Mainichi Daily News]

The mitigating factors that saved this guy's job: he had an otherwise exemplary employment record, was once named a bus driver of the month this fall (before the incident, one assumes), and a bunch of passengers circulated a petition of support on his behalf. The driver denied playing the game even though someone snapped video of him doing so. I mean his both hands are on the PSP, no doubt about it. Bus policy bans drivers from using electronic devices of any kind while operating a city bus.

The woman who got that video is, quite understandably, furious.

"We could have been killed or seriously injured and then what would the bus company have done? Suspend him again?" Waltz said.

Still no word on what he was playing. The bus company had no comment, offering the usual chickenshit "This is a personnel matter," garbage that helps public authorities repeatedly avoid accountability for the behavior of their employees. But I hope someone at least asked the question, just to fuck with them.

You can get a look at the video here.

Driver Suspended Over Video Games Accusation [KITV-TV at MSNBC.com]

Why don't more cars come with a beer tap? Oh yeah, the whole wasted morons killing people thing. Well Dream Arcades has just released the next best thing to getting wasted and hitting the road with the Octane 120, a custom built driving arcade cabinet featuring a 120 inch HD projection screen, a 5.1 audio system, a home theater PC complete with 12 classic racing games, a PlayStation 3 compatible steering wheel, and of course, dual beer taps, front and rear. Of course you don't have to put beer in it...you could easily fill it with Jack Daniels.

The Octane 120 doesn't come cheap, however, and with a price tag of $6,995 you might just be better off with your beer can hat and a nice old recliner. Still a very good alternative to getting drunk and actually driving, and if it keeps modestly wealth boozed-up idiots off the streets then more power to them.

Dream Arcades Taps Into Fun with the Octane 120 Beer Arcade

Ultimate Arcade Driving Cabinet Features a 120 HD Projection Screen, Dual Keg Taps, a Dozen Classic and Modern Driving games, Home Theater PC, and a PS3 Compatible Steering Wheel

Sacramento, CA Oct. 15, 2008 Dream Arcades (http://www.DreamArcades.com), announces the launch and immediate availability of the Octane 120, the ultimate home arcade driving cabinet. The Octane 120 is the ultimate in home arcade gaming, and combines three things every adult gamer wants: classic arcade games, arcade-style racing, and a beer tap to get your favorite beverage without having to get out of the seat!

"We designed the Octane 120 to feature everything that a guy could possibly want in a home arcade racing cabinet (or Home Theater!), including a beer tap, PC and PlayStation 3 compatibility, and a whopping 120 projection screen," says Michael Ware, owner of Dream Arcades. We even have the user interface hooked up to YouTube and Hulu.com, so you can watch 80 s classics like A-Team, Air Wolf, Star Trek, and The Fall Guy with friends between races."

Octane 120 Features:
120 HD DLP Projection Screen
Dual Taps for the keg Dashboard and Rear
12 Classic and Modern Arcade Racing Games PlayStation 3 Compatible Steering Wheel Home Theater PC
5.1 Audio System
Links to Hulu.com and YouTube to watch awesome classic 80 s TV shows, movies, and viral videos
Keg Tap supports any beverage available in a keg, including root beer, and sparkling apple cider for those gamers under 21.

Dream Arcades does not condone drinking and driving. The Octane 120 is designed for entertainment purposes only, we hope that it will demonstrate the extent to which alcohol can impair judgment and educate people on the dangers of drinking and driving.

"With two hands… at times, while he was driving in traffic, yes,” (bus passenger Denita) Waltz said. "And also at the stoplights, and at that point I was very scared."

The driver, an 18-year veteran with The Bus, has been suspended without pay pending further investigation. Not sure what further investigating they need to do here, really. What game he was playing? His high score? Does that affect putting people's lives in danger?

Hell yes it does.

Bus Driver Suspended For Playing Games While Driving [KITV Honolulu]

The fighting mechanic was pretty basic and what you would expect from this type of open world, mission based game. You can fight everyone form the local yokels and thugs to the mascots of the various casinos. I got particular pleasure out of beating the crap out of one mascot who looked suspiciously like my arch nemesis, The Burger King. By pressing X to attack, you can build up your BuzzBomb meter which, once it's filled, will give you an special move that will send your enemy flying through the air. Beating enemies down yields casino chips that can be used later to buy more clothes, cars and other goodies.

Next we moved on to the gambling portion. At the current time they have confirmed that there will be Black Jack, Texas Hold 'Em Poker and slots with other games to be announced later. I tried my hand at a Black Jack game and did pretty well. Of course, it helps that the game has a built in cheat device for each casino game. In Black Jack, the cards are marked and going into a special mode will allow you to see What's coming up next and what the other player have in their hands. but don't linger to long in cheat mode, because the pit boss is watching and if his suspicion meter fills up, you are busted.

Where game really shone was the party mode. Your character is dispatched to a club that is rather empty and you are implored by the DJ to help her bring customers in. This is accomplished through a series of mini-games like a Cake Mania-esque bar tending gig, beating up cheesy bachelors and a rather gratuitous wet t-shirt mini-game where you spray girls down with water.

My favorite part of the club scene however, was the dancing. Based on the Tony Hawk method of combos, you can make your character pull of various dance moves using button presses. The more moves you can stack up without failing, the more points you can score. If you get really good, you can even get everyone on the dance floor to follow you in a group synchronized dance routine. It was really pretty clever and I found myself thinking that in itself would make a pretty fun game.

All in all I'd have to say that the game seemed pretty fun and the dialog was amusing. The graphics looked great and the recreation of Vegas was really well done with loads of detail. However, what we saw of This Is Vegas was pretty disjointed so it was difficult to get a handle on the overall gameplay. I look forward to seeing a more cohesive version that includes the driving mechanic at this year's E3. It is expected to ship Winter 2008 for 360, PS3 and PC.

Czech industry veterans announce Prague-studio, debuts with off-road racer MOTORM4X

Prague, Czech Republic (September 20th, 2007) A number of Czech-based game development veterans today announced the existence of The Easy Company s.r.o., a Prague-based studio committed to creating ground-breaking technology and games for PC and consoles. The core development team at The Easy Company previously held lead-positions at Illusion Softworks where they made significant contributions to a number of record-breaking hit titles including Hidden & Dangerous 1 and 2 and MAFIA.

The Easy Company have been working behind closed doors on its debut title for the past 14 months, an all-terrain off-road racer entitled MOTORM4X for the PC. MOTORM4X is a non-formulaic racing-title that lets players drive and explore large outdoor terrains in a variety of SUV and off-road vehicles featuring simulated GPS and 4WD functions including player-controlled axle-locking, 4 wheel drive and GPS pathfinding.

Said Martin Babarik, Producer at The Easy Company "We've assembled one of the most experienced teams in the region compromised of local industry veterans with a proven track record of delivering triple-A titles for both PC and consoles. This experience will allow us to bring those same high production values to lighter and more focused games."

The Easy Company is financially backed by ARCA Capital Bohemia, a private investment company specializing in providing venture capital to expanding companies in Central and Eastern Europe.

# # #

The game is due out this Winter. Hit the jump for the first three screens and of course, the obligatory press release. Michael Fahey

GET READY TO BREAK THE RULES - PARADISE IS COMING!
EA INVITES DANGEROUS DRIVERS TO BURNOUT PARADISE THIS WINTER

Guildford, UK - April 30, 2007 - Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced the title for the revolutionary new Burnout videogame currently in development for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 videogame system. Players will be able to take their dangerous driving experience to a whole new level when Burnout Paradise is unleashed this winter.

Burnout Paradise proves that crashing is awesome! Next generation technology has enabled an unprecedented level of crash deformation allowing you to experience the most explosive pile-ups in the series' history. Now the development team can realise their original vision for the Burnout franchise: an open world environment where you can do anything, anywhere, anytime!

"We have been working towards Burnout Paradise for quite some time. Next generation consoles have opened up a raft of new gameplay opportunities and the Criterion team has leapt at the chance to innovate and raise the bar to an all-new high," said Pete Hawley, Executive Producer, Burnout Paradise. "There are going to be some big surprises and a lot of new features but the core of the game is still pure Burnout. Instant accessibility will be reinforced by innovative on-line capabilities which will see Burnout Paradise smash racing conventions.''

Feel the adrenaline course through your veins as you take to the road for the first time in Paradise City, where the action is all around you. Explore the city, discover events, and look for the best opportunities to crash, jump and pull signature takedowns. In Burnout Paradise you're given the keys to the city, but it's up to you to earn the keys to the meanest and most dangerous cars on the street, and earn your Burnout licence.

###

Game artist extraordinaire Pavel Dolgov found this great reminder of what a driving game used to be all about. Screw physics, damage and real-time terrain deformation, give me a dinky plastic car slapped onto a pizza-sized course any day. I think I actually had one of these when I was like 5. Did you own any pre-game games when you were a child? Brian Crecente

What the survey fails to take into account is the fact that most drivers between the ages of 16-24 suck, and probably shouldn't be driving in the first place. No offense to any young drivers out there, but it's true. I'd daresay some of them are better off imagining they're in a video game.

Besides, everything you do affects how you drive. Take it from David Perry, who randomly showed up in the BBC article I took the story from.

"Anything that affects your emotions will affect how you drive. The guy in front, the music on the stereo...those are the things that make you speed up, not a game you played an hour ago."

Intel had four of these lined-up in their booth to show off their processors with their spokesamazon barking out orders to the execs. This display seemed to fascinate dozens of CES attendees. Me? I was unimpressed. These guys should've have gone to E3. Michael McWhertor

National's transport spokesman Maurice Williamson says today's young people think they are bullet-proof. He blames Playstations and X-boxes for making teens think they can drive stupidly and just push the reset button if anything goes wrong.

For those of you who are playing Auto Assault and actually care about added content, you're in luck, because you're getting added content. The rest of you should move on to the next post. I think Ashcraft's posting pictures of his wife playing with a cat. All gone? OK Steve, Bob, here's what NCSoft has for you soon in Update 3:

Four new instances called The Tower, Scav Uprising, La Leche Madre, and Malachite Detention Center. The first is for four level 80s, the others for level 18s. There's also two new loot sets coming in the form of the Warmonger Set and The Tower Set. They're also a Ground Zero Token System:

In this change to game play, Ground Zero tokens will no-longer be given out for capturing an Outpost. Instead, you'll receive tokens for PvP kills. Furthermore, your chance to receive a token is based on population. For example, if Humans are heavily outnumbered, they have a greater chance than their Mutant and Biomek opponents to receive a token.

I'm not sure about this game. Seeing as I'm of Asian descent, if I wanted to kill people with my car I'd actually go out and drive. Jason Chen

Other reading: Auto Assault Halloween Event [Auto Assault]

The disgruntled rumblings over in the YouTube comments section indicate that this adorable three year old acing a Gran Turismo map should be thrown right in the dirty cheater's orphanarium. They postulate a masterful adult stands behind him with a controller. Me? I dunno — listen to that adorable baby smack talk her starts burbling afterwards. He's just pleased as peaches with himself.

What do you think? Do the rotations of the wheel correspond with the actual play? Is this mere child a no-good, dirty cheat? Florian Eckhardt

After being in a car accident, 9 year old Ethan Myers was declared brain dead by some doctors who are surely feeling pretty stupid right about now. However, after some initial recovery — including learning to walk, read and speak again — Ethan is continuing to improve thanks to a healthy regimen of playing video games.

The treatment is called neurofeedback, which rewards people for producing certain brain waves. In this case, Ethan plays PS2 and X-Box driving games on a modified NASA interface, initially used to teach pilots to remain calm during periods of extreme stress. When Ethan is producing the correct brain waves, the game rewards him by making it easier to control the car and go faster. When he isn't, the controls become more difficult to handle.

Ethan credits the video game therapy with helping him make a speech to kids at school and start making new friends. Man, Ethan, you rock. Way to go, kid.

Video game therapy—a new frontier [News.com]